Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba is poised to face the National Assembly today, confronting a barrage of inquiries surrounding the alleged mismanagement of his ministry.
Amidst growing discontent from various quarters, Namwamba’s appearance aims to elucidate his ministry’s actions, particularly concerning the Special Olympics held in Berlin, Germany, in June 2023, and the administration of aquatic sports.
The parliamentary summoning has been catalyzed by concerns expressed by prominent lawmakers, including Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.
Athletes Return to Silence
Ichung’wah has castigated Namwamba for the perceived lack of recognition and support extended to athletes returning from international competitions.
Notably, he emphasized the need for the Ministry to extend due celebration and acknowledgment to the accomplished athletes who represent Kenya abroad.
Financial Allegations
Nandi Senator Cherargei echoed Ichung’wah’s sentiment, alleging not only inadequate recognition but also pointing out alleged financial improprieties.
He took to social media to question the rationale behind ministry officials’ extravagant trips to international events, allegedly accompanied by their partners, at the expense of the athletes’ well-being.
Namwamba’s appearance before the National Assembly aims to address these concerns, most importantly explaining why the Kenyan team that participated in the Special Olympics returned without a formal reception or acknowledgment from the Ministry.
Discrimination and Inequity
The Sports Cabinet Secretary is also expected to elaborate on the strategies being devised to prevent any recurrence of athletes feeling marginalized and unsupported.
Of particular concern is the alleged discrimination faced by athletes, evidenced by instances such as the utilization of counterfeit sports gear during international competitions.
National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei highlighted the disheartening episode where Kenyan athletes donned fake uniforms during the Tunisian beach games.
Shollei stressed that this disregard for the athletes’ dignity reflects a more profound systemic issue.
Aquatic Sports: Tides of Transparency
Namwamba is also anticipated to elucidate the Ministry’s plan for addressing the historical challenges and controversies surrounding the management of aquatic sports.
He will clarify the steps taken to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection of swimmers for various competitions, both domestic and international.
Talanta Hela
In addition to these concerns, Namwamba is expected to tackle the delayed implementation of key policies, including the Talanta Hela Programme, aimed at nurturing sports talent among the youth.
Shollei criticized the Ministry’s inability to launch the Talanta Hela app despite its prior announcement.
As the parliamentary session unfolds, all eyes are on Namwamba as he takes the stand to address these pressing questions.
The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for the future direction of Kenya’s sports sector.
